Rust keeps forming after vinegar patina

M

matuquev

Joined
Dec 19, 2015
Messages
1
Hello all, I'm new to these forums, looking for a hint on knife maintenance.

I've found a alligator claw knife with severe rust damage which I've managed to polish down to a shiny gray-silver color but after a while it started rusting by regular use. So, I sanded it again and this time I leave it without polishing but applying vinegar forced patina. The method I've used requires one to pre-heat the blade and then submerge it in vinegar.

I ended up with a dark gray matte finish patina which looks beautiful but... red rust keeps coming in! I've tried several times with different results and nothing. What am I doing wrong? I thought that with a patina I wouldn't have to worry about rust anymore.

Thanks in advance!
Matias (from Argentina)
 
Patina doesn't protect against rust. Patina does roughen up a polished surface a little allowing oil to adhere to it longer. Patina plus oil has some rust inhibiting qualities, but patina alone does not.
 
Patina DOES inhibit (slow down) rust somewhat, because the steel which patinates (forms black oxide) is less reactive to things that form rust (red oxide). But it's not going to eliminate or prevent it entirely. There is no magic solution for preventing rust on non-stainless blades (or stainless, for that matter).

If the knife gets used and cleaned regularly, and perhaps oiled a bit, that'll take care of 99% of rusting issues.


David
 
Last edited:
are you neutralizing the acid with baking soda paste? if so then oil it if not then try it.
 
Exactly what I was looking for, I got my first carbon steel blade the other day, forced a patina and had the same problems. Glad to know this is normal.
 
The RED oxidation/RUST is in the steel. Start with a new blade that isn't rusted and your patina acts will help.

Even stainless steels,
Once it is heavily rusted, It will return.
 
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